Vietnamese Grilled Chicken Bowls

Savory-sweet grilled chicken, fragrant jasmine rice, and crisp quick-pickled cucumber make a fresh Vietnamese-inspired dinner for late-summer evenings.

  • Total time: 50 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $10
  • Calories per serving: 670 cal
  • Grill
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs
    1 pound $5.99
  • Organic jasmine Thai white rice
    3/4 cup $4.49
  • Slicing cucumber
    1 large (about 12 ounces) $0.99
  • Lime
    1 medium (1 teaspoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice), divided $0.69
  • Cilantro
    1/2 cup loosely packed, divided $1.19
  • Green onions
    2, divided $1.39
  • Garlic
    2 cloves
  • Fish sauce
    1 tablespoon
  • Light brown sugar
    1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon, divided
  • Neutral cooking oil
    1 tablespoon
  • Unseasoned rice vinegar
    1 tablespoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
    1/4 teaspoon
  • Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    1 3/4 teaspoons, divided
  • Water
    1 cup

Instructions

  1. Preheat a grill to medium-high, about 425°F. Finely chop 2 garlic cloves, roughly chop 1/2 cup cilantro, thinly slice 2 green onions, and thinly slice 1 large cucumber; keep each separate.

  2. Pat 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs dry. In a bowl, combine:

    • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
    • 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon neutral cooking oil
    • 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
    • 1 teaspoon lime zest
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

    Add the chicken, turn to coat, and marinate for 15 minutes while preparing the rice and cucumber.

  3. Rinse 3/4 cup jasmine rice until the water runs mostly clear. Combine the rice in a small saucepan with 1 cup water and 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, cover, and cook over low heat for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat, rest covered for 10 minutes, then fluff.

  4. Toss the sliced cucumber with 3/4 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt and let stand for 10 minutes. Rinse well under cold water, drain, and gently squeeze dry. Toss the cucumber with:

    • 1 tablespoon unseasoned rice vinegar
    • 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon lime juice
    • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
    • 1 sliced green onion

    Set the quick-pickled cucumber aside.

  5. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grill the thighs with the smooth side down for 5 to 6 minutes, then turn and grill for 4 to 6 minutes more, until lightly charred and the thickest piece reaches 175°F. Transfer to a board and rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

  6. Divide the jasmine rice between two bowls and top with the sliced grilled chicken and quick-pickled cucumber. Finish with 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and 1 sliced green onion.

Drink pairing: An off-dry Riesling balances the fish sauce, lime, chile, and smoky grilled chicken.